Check your XML against a DTD or XSD schema to ensure it’s "well-formed."
This happens after a major Notepad++ update (e.g., going from 32-bit to 64-bit).
Notepad++ is famously fast with large files. The XML Tools plugin handles CDATA sections (unparsed character data) well. However, note that "Pretty Print" on a 500MB XML file might freeze Notepad++. For massive logs, use first to strip whitespace, then apply pretty print. xml tools plugin for notepad
Check well-formedness
The XML Tools plugin equips Notepad++ with a comprehensive suite of utilities designed to handle complex XML documents efficiently. 1. Pretty Print (XML Formatting) Check your XML against a DTD or XSD
The plugin's ability to instantly format, check syntax, and run XPath queries will make your work faster and more accurate. For anyone regularly working with XML, this plugin is an absolute must-have.
By following this guide, you can now install the plugin, format large files in seconds, validate your work against industry standards, and use advanced tools like XPath and XSLT to manipulate XML data effectively. If you are a Windows user working with XML, downloading this plugin is one of the best productivity upgrades you can make to your Notepad++ setup. However, note that "Pretty Print" on a 500MB
If you work with configuration files, web feeds, API responses, or structured data, you’ve likely encountered the love-hate relationship developers have with XML. It is verbose, strict, and unforgiving—but when formatted correctly, it is beautifully hierarchical.
This is a powerful feature for reverse engineering. If you have an XML instance and want to see the rules it follows, you can use the to reverse-engineer an XSD (XML Schema Definition) from your existing XML file, giving you a solid starting point for documentation.
The XML Tools plugin for Notepad++ is a perfect example of how a simple addition can unlock immense power. It transforms a general-purpose text editor into a purpose-built, highly efficient XML editor without sacrificing speed or simplicity. For Windows users whose primary needs are editing, formatting, validating, and querying XML files quickly, this combination is arguably the best free option available.
XSLT 3.0 is the modern standard for XML transformations. A community-driven project has created a fork of the XML Tools plugin that integrates (an open-source XSLT 3.0 processor). This allows you to: